Chen Kun, one of China's leading film and recording artists, was officially appointed Special Advocate for Global Handwashing Day by the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) China Country Office on September 17. Since 2008 Global Handwashing Day has been observed around the world on 15 October through a global public private partnership that involves more than 3 million children in over 100 countries.

"We are delighted that Chen Kun will help us spread the critically important message that handwashing with soap can save lives," said Dr. Yin Yin Nwe, UNICEF Representative to China. "Chen Kun is very popular with young people in China and we believe that with this new role he can help us transform handwashing with soap from a good idea into a permanent habit."

This year Global Handwashing Day will bring together a broad alliance of children, teachers, Government ministries, private corporations, the media, civil society organizations and the UN. More than 270,000 children in almost 600 schools are expected to take part in handwashing promotional activities across China between 10 and 15 October.

Handwashing with soap is considered among the most effective ways to prevent pneumonia and diarrhea, which account for 20% child deaths in China each year. It is also more cost effective in preventing diarrhea than any vaccine or other known health intervention.

In this new role for UNICEF, Chen Kun will help promote the aims of Global Handwashing Day in China by advocating for the life-saving habit of washing hands with soap in media, and by reaching out to millions of people with educational messages.

A signing ceremony was held on the set of the Global Handwashing Day TV spot filming at CCTV Children's Channel. Chen Kun signed and exchanged an appointment letter with Dr. Yin Yin Nwe, UNICEF Representative for China. "I am much honored and inspired to be the UNICEF Special Advocate of Global Handwashing Day. I have been highly impressed by what UNICEF has achieved so far around the world" said Chen Kun, "I was really amazed when I learned that washing hands with soap can easily reduce diseases such as diarrhea and pneumonia amongst children. I will lend my support as Special Advocate for Global Handwashing Day to raise public attention on this issue, as well as convince more people to wash their hands with soap."

Chen Kun has been widely recognized for his consistent support for social causes and philanthropy. "It is especially important for parents and children to get this message and change their handwashing habits," said Dr. Yin Yin Nwe, "We hope that this will improve health and hygiene, especially in the western regions of China, where hygiene and sanitation lag behind the national standards."

About UNICEF in China:

UNICEF first assisted China between 1947 and 1951, providing emergency services, food and nutrition, health and hygiene training during and after the war of liberation. In 1979 UNICEF officially commenced its cooperation with the Government of China to support child health and nutrition, good water and sanitation, quality basic education for all boys and girls, and the protection of children from violence, exploitation, and AIDS. UNICEF is on the ground in over 150 countries and territories to help children survive and thrive, from early childhood through adolescence.